Getting close -Stihl 291 or 361...

Stopped in to my JD dealer to get a part yesterday and based largely on recommendations from the fine folks here at the Hearth I took a few minutes to check out the Stihl MS 291 & 261 saws. Nice feel and the weight is noticeably less athan my ProMac 610. But wait, there's more My wife was with me and says that I deserve a new saw after 30 years, and a lighter one makes sense due to MY AGE Well, I can take that hit if it means she is ok with a new saw.

Just trying to decide between the 261 amd 291... any thoughts there?

Also, Stihl has a promo going - free case, and a 2 yr warranty (1 yr standard) if you buy a 6 pack of their 2 cycle oil. Not a bad deal!!??!!

A 261 is my next chainsaw purchase for sure, so I'm not very objective. The stats are pretty close on both saws, but from what I've read, the 261 have some nice pro features that make it worth the extra $$.

A 261 is my next chainsaw purchase for sure, so I'm not very objective. The stats are pretty close on both saws, but from what I've read, the 261 have some nice pro features that make it worth the extra $$.

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Thanks prof - what pro features appeal to you> The dealer said the engine is a litte smoother and less vibrations...

Stopped in to my JD dealer to get a part yesterday and based largely on recommendations from the fine folks here at the Hearth I took a few minutes to check out the Stihl MS 291 & 261 saws. Nice feel and the weight is noticeably less athan my ProMac 610. But wait, there's more My wife was with me and says that I deserve a new saw after 30 years, and a lighter one makes sense due to MY AGE Well, I can take that hit if it means she is ok with a new saw.

Just trying to decide between the 261 amd 291... any thoughts there?

Also, Stihl has a promo going - free case, and a 2 yr warranty (1 yr standard) if you buy a 6 pack of their 2 cycle oil. Not a bad deal!!??!!

To respond to the title, get a 361 and never look back. Good used one will cost you less and outperform both.

The 291 is on the smaller 231/251/271/291 frame, and it is really spendy for a 'homeowner' clamshell engine/plastic case saw. It is way overpriced. Same price as the larger 311?! Of the two you are asking about, the 261 is the better deal for $80 more. Pro saw, will last a lifetime, way better engine and plastic, clear gas tank, decomp, stainless muffler, weighs less, runs at higher rpm, has the better HD2 air filter, mag case, captive nuts, elastostart, quarter turn case removal, etc.

Thanks prof - what pro features appeal to you> The dealer said the engine is a litte smoother and less vibrations...

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The anti vibration system and the integrated bar nuts come to mind. It looks like both saws have the improved air filtration and both sip fuel, which seem to be a couple more steps in a good direction.

Stopped in to my JD dealer to get a part yesterday and based largely on recommendations from the fine folks here at the Hearth I took a few minutes to check out the Stihl MS 291 & 261 saws. Nice feel and the weight is noticeably less athan my ProMac 610. But wait, there's more My wife was with me and says that I deserve a new saw after 30 years, and a lighter one makes sense due to MY AGE Well, I can take that hit if it means she is ok with a new saw.

Just trying to decide between the 261 amd 291... any thoughts there?

Also, Stihl has a promo going - free case, and a 2 yr warranty (1 yr standard) if you buy a 6 pack of their 2 cycle oil. Not a bad deal!!??!!

Click to expand...

The 261 looks pretty darned good. Merry Christmas. Maybe I'll have to take a drive some day to see how that thing runs.

I like my JD dealer, but they are new to Stihl equipment as of the past few years. I know much more about their Stihl equipment than their sales staff. The mom & pop Stihl dealer on the other side of town, however, knows all their stuff and provides very good service. They don't question me when I tell them I want yellow bars and chains (not the green low kickback models).

To respond to the title, get a 361 and never look back. Good used one will cost you less and outperform both.

The 291 is on the smaller 231/251/271/291 frame, and it is really spendy for a 'homeowner' clamshell engine/plastic case saw. It is way overpriced. Same price as the larger 311?! Of the two you are asking about, the 261 is the better deal for $80 more. Pro saw, will last a lifetime, way better engine and plastic, clear gas tank, decomp, stainless muffler, weighs less, runs at higher rpm, has the better HD2 air filter, mag case, captive nuts, elastostart, quarter turn case removal, etc.